FAQs • Kennewick, WA • CivicEngage

Will the city be taking my property and forcing me to move?: No. The BB / RR Plan is not a traditional redevelopment plan where a City or redevelopment agency purchases or takes property from property owners and redevelops it or hands it over to a private company to redevelop. The plan is meant to spur and encourage development in a way that fits the vision of the community. The sale of any property in the BB / RR area will occur only when you are ready to sell and if there is someone who wants to purchase your property. The City will not be involved unless the City is purchasing the property for a public facility.

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Planning - Bridge to Bridge

1. How can I find out more?: You can contact the Community Planning Department at 509-585-4280 or read the Bridge-to-Bridge Revitalization Plan (PDF).

2. What is the Bridge-to-Bridge / River-to-Railroad (BB / RR) area?: The BB/RR is the area between the Blue Bridge (SR-395) and the Cable Bridge and the Columbia River to the BNSF Railroad mainline tracks (maps of the BB/RR area are provided on a link to this city webpage). The BB/RR has been identified in Kennewick's comprehensive plan as a subarea or distinct district worthy of special planning attention.
The BB / RR area is composed of 7 distinct neighborhoods including Columbia Drive and the auto dealers and commercial services along it. Duffy's Pond and the approach to Clover Island. The mobile home parks and residential developments along the levy leading to Columbia Park and south of Columbia Drive, and the numerous salvage, warehouse, and trucking businesses along the railroad tracks.

3. What is the objective of this plan?: The purpose of the Bridge-to-Bridge / River-to-Railroad (BB / RR) Revitalization Plan is to create a short and long-term strategy for the BB / RR area and its 7 distinct neighborhoods for the next 20 years. The plan will serve as a statement of the city's commitment and direction for these areas and as a resource for property owners, businesses, and residents.

4. Why now?: Recent development within the BB / RR area include:
1. The completion of the series of roundabouts between SR-240 and SR-395 that define a new western gateway to the district and city.

2. The Port of Kennewick's acquisition of the properties surrounding Duffy's Pond and the potential this provides for the Port to develop a new eastern gateway to the district and city.

3. The Port's acquisition of some frontage commercial properties between Duffy's Pond and Columbia Drive and the potential this provides for the development of new mixed uses that will connect the riverfront with the downtown.

4. The clearing and consolidation of property at the base of the Blue Bridge.

These developments provide the momentum and opportunity to create and implement a revitalization strategy for the BB / RR area.

5. Will the city be taking my property and forcing me to move?: No. The BB / RR Plan is not a traditional redevelopment plan where a City or redevelopment agency purchases or takes property from property owners and redevelops it or hands it over to a private company to redevelop. The plan is meant to spur and encourage development in a way that fits the vision of the community. The sale of any property in the BB / RR area will occur only when you are ready to sell and if there is someone who wants to purchase your property. The City will not be involved unless the City is purchasing the property for a public facility.